From Little Things Big Things Grow
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle in a Small Country Community
Hunter New England Area Health Service
Abstract
The Tenterfield Health Service developed partnerships with local government, non-government and community organisations to plan healthy lifestyle programs with an emphasis on obesity as a major cause of chronic diseases. The programs were designed to educate the community on available options in reducing the incidence of obesity, in an effort to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases, these programs needed to be affordable and accessible to all community members.
Funding to install a walking track and fitness stations within a local park was secured through external sources, whilst physical activity classes were established through the health service.
The Tenterfield-Trim-Taut-Terrific program had 259 participants registered, who after three months achieved their goal with the loss of 1000 kilograms.
|
Presented by Margaret Zannes. |
Aim
To form partnerships with government and non-government organisations to plan healthy lifestyle programs and develop the necessary resources and education to assist the community in making healthy lifestyle choices.
Nature of the Problem
At a community consultation meeting participants identified there were no cost effective weight loss programs or suitable safe areas to walk/exercise in the community.
The weight loss programs which were already being conducted within the community were costly and unable to be sustained.
The problem could not be resolved by the health service alone but needed support from other organisations. Partnerships were formed with government and non-government organisations within the community. Funding needed to be secured to provide affordable and safe environment for the community to exercise.
Extent of the Problem
Approximately 60 pre cent of patients admitted to hospital were over weight or obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30.
Community health staff also noted approximately 50 per cent of clients had a BMI above 30.
The Diabetic Educator stated 75 to 85 per cent of patients had a BMI above 30 with an increase in referrals for patients newly diagnosed with diabetes.
“National trends indicate the population is growing and people aged 65 years and over will represent an increasing population rising from 13.65 per cent in 2006 to around 20 per cent in 2026” according to NSW Health Fit For The Future 2010-2025.
Lifestyle preventable diseases are on the increase therefore there will be a greater demand for health services and cost pressures.
There is a growing concern on the availability of health professionals within country areas to provide ongoing care for people with chronic diseases.
Strategic Importance
“Health will engage more effectively with other government and non-government agencies and the broader community in providing a more integrated approach to planning, funding and delivering health services to local communities” according to the NSW State Health Plan 2010.
The buildings of partnerships within the Tenterfield community will invariantly reduce the gap between health and the community. Costs shared among the organisations and the formal and informal relationships, gives the community a sense of ownership and satisfaction as programs have been designed to meet there identified needs. The program will enable individuals to make informed decisions about their own health and lifestyle choices.
Planning and Implementing Solutions
Three programs were developed throughout the past ten years all of which had common Healthy Lifestyle theme. These included:
- The walking group - which has just celebrated its ninth birthday.
- The Tenterfield Trim Taut Terrific - weight loss and education project.
- The Fitness and Exercise Program which has been operating for three years.
At the outset, potential community partners were identified and invited to meetings to investigate barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Local service clubs, GP’s, the New England Division of General Practice, local media outlets, council and community members all become involved.
Successful submissions for funding and volunteer work achieved the walking track and fitness stations. Physical activity classes commenced twice weekly using the circuit model. The Wellingtonne Challenge program was adapted for our community and called Tenterfield Trim Taut Terrific.
Aims and objectives were formulated, education sessions and supermarket walks were held weekly for three months, with guest speakers presenting information on nutrition, obesity, stress, physical activity and chronic disease risks.
Partners and health service staff assisted on registration day, with 259 people responding to the challenge issued in media, service club presentations and by doctors. Blood pressure, blood glucose levels and BMI were calculated and recorded weekly. Monthly weigh-ins were attended and recorded weight loss tallied and questionnaires completed.
Outcomes and Evaluation
With the formulation of partnerships the following outcomes have been achieved:
- The 259 people enrolled in the Tenterfield-Trim-Taut-Terrific program and collectively lost 1001 kilograms.
- Around 60 per cent of participants achieved their goal weight loss
- There were 467 attendances at education sessions.
- There were 50 participants were followed up 20 months after the initial program and the results were as follows:
- 67 per cent or 33 people continued losing weight.
- 6 per cent or three participants maintained their original weight.
- 26 per cent or 13 participants gained weight.
- One person declined.
- 44 per cent increased their level of physical activity.
- 79 per cent have increased or maintained their fruit and vegetable intake.
- A walking track was built and fitness stations installed in the local park. Walking group commenced and participants now walk five times per week.
- Physical activity classes commenced and have been increased to four sessions per week.
- Comments from the group include:
- Fantastic, hope it keeps going.
- Good support, put me on the right track.
- Dietetic services have been increased.
With the forming of partnerships, successful and cost effective programs have been developed. The enthusiasm and momentum of the partners and participants have ensured the programs will continue to be an important and integral feature to assist people to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Sustaining Change
These healthy lifestyle programs have proven to be sustainable due to the continual input by community members.
- The walking group has recently celebrated their ninth birthday and meets twice a week. The exercise class is now into its third year held twice a week, with four classes running.
- The Tenterfield Trim, Taut and Terrific program will be recommencing in September 2008 with the addition of the aboriginal community as new partners and heart moves being introduced into the exercise class.
- All programs are provided at no cost to the participant and have become self-sustaining.
Future Scope
Taking inspiration from the Wellingtonne challenge the community of Tenterfield identified a health need and come together to assist in providing solutions to combat the health need.
Partners all embraced this concept and sought to establish achievable solutions to the issues.
Good communication between and within these partnership groups facilitated a unified approach, which can now be seen in the success of the Healthy Lifestyle Programs within this community.
The concept behind this program can easily be transferred to assist other communities as it would seem that enthusiasm and motivation is the key factors required to begin the process.
References
- A New Direction for NSW State Health Plan Towards 2010.
- Challenge your community to better health - The Wellingtonne Challenge Department of Health and Ageing.
- NSW Health Fit for the Future 2010-2025.
Project Team
Margaret Zannes (Team Leader, Tenterfield Community Health)
Julie Kirk, Tenterfield Community Hospital Staff, Dr Richard Keatinge, Dr Ian Unsworth, Harry Bolton,Tenterfield Shire Council, Barry Denis, Rotary Club of Tenterfield, New England Division of General Practice, The Tenterfield Star, Tenterfield Radio 2TENFM.
Contact
Hunter New England Area Health Service
Phone: 02 6739 5300
This project was entered in the 2008 NSW Health Awards, Build regional and other partnerships for health category.
